The standards for international students enrolling in Nigerian universities have been modified by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria.This is a major change from the earlier rules that were put into place in November 2019. Understanding these modifications is essential for a seamless admissions process for both educational institutions and prospective students.
Notice on the Revised Requirements
A memo outlining these updated requirements was made public on October 10, 2023, giving educational institutions and international applicants a more explicit framework. The document, which is signed by Mr. Fabian Okoro, Director of Information Technology Services at JAMB, lays out a methodical procedure for managing admissions for international students.
Detailed Admission Process for International Students
The Role of the University
Initial Submission to JAMB
- The Letter of Indemnity: Universities are now required to compile and submit a roster of all new foreign students seeking current admission to the respective State JAMB Office. Accompanying this list must be a letter of indemnity from the institution’s head, affirming that all candidates meet the institution’s admission criteria and indemnifying JAMB against any inaccuracies.
Communication with JAMB’s Director of Admissions
- Through CAPS Mail: The same list and letter of indemnity should also be sent to the JAMB Director of Admissions via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) mail, ensuring a dual submission for verification purposes.
The Candidate’s Steps
Profile Creation at State JAMB Office
- Exclusive to State JAMB Office: Candidates are directed to their respective State JAMB Office to create profiles on the JAMB facility platform. It’s imperative to note that only the State JAMB Office where the university is located will service these profiles.
Filling the Application Form
- FRESH FOREIGN Application Form: This form is only accessible and fillable at the State JAMB Office. Any candidate not previously listed by the institution will be unable to process their application.
Post-Registration Steps
- Registration Number and Transaction ID: Upon completing the registration, candidates will receive a unique Registration Number and a Transaction ID.
- Printing the Indemnity Form: Each candidate must print and submit an auto-generated Indemnity Form to their institution for further verification and endorsement by the head of the institution.
Finalisation by the Head of Institution
- Online Authorisation: The institution’s head is tasked with authorising the candidate’s application online. This step is critical as it facilitates the candidate’s details being made available on CAPS, enabling the institution to propose and recommend the candidate for JAMB’s final approval.
See Also: JAMB CAPS: How to Check Admission Status, Accept or Reject Admission Offers
What This Means for International Students and Institutions
The educational institutions and the candidates have more responsibility to guarantee that the information they supply is accurate as a result of this revised approach.It emphasizes for applicants how crucial it is to follow the guidelines exactly and be in constant contact with their selected college during the admissions process.
Conclusion
The updated standards announced by JAMB are a move in the direction of stricter and more open admissions procedures for students from overseas. This preserves the integrity and calibre of higher education in Nigeria by guaranteeing that only applicants who meet the required admission requirements are taken into consideration. To ensure a smooth admissions process, it is imperative that all parties involved—especially international candidates and university administrators—be conversant with these new criteria.